Better Water 1232 RO User manual

REA 2390
1232 RO
Operator Manual
Better Water LLC
rev. May 2020

REA 2390
Better Water LLC. All rights reserved.
The content of this manual is the intellectual property of Better Water LLC. It is furnished for the
express use by Better Water LLC, their customers and dealers, for informational use only for operation,
service, and internal training. No part of this manual may be reproduced for distribution, sale, or any
intent other than previously described without the written permission of Better Water LLC. This manual
is subject to change without notice. Better Water LLC assumes no responsibility or liability for any error
or inaccuracies that may appear in this documentation.
Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc.
Better Water LLC; 698 Swan Dr; Smyrna, TN 37167; www.betterwater.com

rev. May 2020
1232 RO Operator Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Our Company ……………………………………………………………………………………... 01
- Contact Us ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 01
- Technical Phone Support ………………………………………………………………………. 01
- Technical Support Info Online …………………………………………………………………. 01
- Specific Contacts ……………………………………………………….……………………….. 02
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………… 02
Warnings & Warnings ……………………………………………………………………………. 03
QUICK REFERENCE ….………………………………………………………………………….05
- Specifications, Features, and Requirements ………………………………………………… 06
- Membrane Array Flow Rate Specifications ….………………………………………………. 07
- Maintenance Schedule ……………………………………………………………………….… 08
- Related Consumable and Replacement Parts ………………………………………………. 09
DEVICE INFORMATION ………………………………………………………………………… 11
- Reverse Osmosis Process …………………………………………………………………….. 12
- Models …………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
- Important Information for Support ……………………………………………………………... 13
- Product Description ……..………………………………………………………………………. 14
- Detailed View of 1232 RO, Front Side …………………………………………….... 15
- Detailed View of 1232 RO, Right Side …………………………………….………… 15
- Detailed View of 1232 RO, Back Side ………………………….…………………… 16
- Detailed View of Control Box …………………………………………………………. 16
- System Components ……………………………………………………………………………. 17
- Control Box…………….……………………………………………………………….. 17
- Water Quality Monitor ……..……………………………………………….... 17
- Digital Flush Timer …………………………………………………………… 18
- Temperature Controller ……………………………………………………… 18
- Tank-Stby-Direct Switch …………………………………………………….. 18
- Components That Work In Conjunction With the Control Box ………….. 19
- Membranes …………………………………………………………………………….. 20
- Pre-Filter; Particulate Filtration Cartridge (10”, 5 micron filter) …………………... 20
- Final Filter; Particulate Filtration Cartridge (.03 micron capsule filter) …………… 21
- Pump …………...……………………………………………………………………….. 21
- Remote Alarm Box …………………………………………………………………….. 22
- Clean/Disinfect Tank …………………………………………………………..……….22
OPERATION ………………………………………………………………………………........... 23
- Familiarization with the Control Box and RO Front Panel ……..…………………………… 24
- Initial Start-Up ………………………………………………………………………………….... 27
- Daily Operation ………………………………………………………………………………….. 29
- Monitoring Procedures …………………………………………………………………………. 30
- End of Day Procedure …………………………………………………………………………...30
- Shut Down Procedure ………………………………………………………………………….. 30
- General Cleaning and Disinfecting Information ……………………………………………… 31
- Sanitizing the Sanitary Sample Ports ………………………………………………...33
- Sample Collecting from a Sanitary Sample Port ……………………………..……. 33
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Required Materials ……………………………………… 34
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedure (Tank Feed) ……………………………….. 35
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedure (Direct Feed) ………………………………. 39

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1232 RO Operator Manual
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE ………………………………………………………………………. 43
- User Adjustments: ……………………………………………………………………………… 44
- Product and Reject Flow …………………………………………………………….. 44
- Recirculation Flow ……………………………………………………………..………. 44
- Membrane Pressure …………………………………………………………..………. 45
- Reject Pressure ………………………………………………………………..………. 45
- Product Pressure ………………………………………………………………………. 45
- Maintenance Schedule …………………………………………………………………………. 46
- Digital Flush Timer, Standard Operation …..…………………………………………………. 47
- Replace Digital Flush Timer Battery …………………………………………………………... 47
- Set Digital Flush Timer Current Day/Time ……………………..……………...………………48
- Set Digital Flush Timer, Flush Mode Frequency …….………………………………………. 48
- Perform a Manual Flush Using the Digital Flush Timer …………………………………...… 49
- Change 5 Micron, 10” Pre-Filter ……………………………………………………………….. 51
- Change .03 Micron, Capsule Final-Filter ………………………………………………………52
- Change Membranes and O-Rings ……………………………….……………………………. 53
- Factory Reset the Water Quality Monitor Board …………….………………………………. 56
- Calibration of the Water Quality Monitor Board …………………………………..………….. 57
- Long Term Storage: Preserve and Pack ………………………………………………………59
- Trouble-Shooting Guide for 1232 RO ………………………………………………………….63
APPENDIX
- Appendix A: Limited Warranty Terms and Conditions ………………………………………. 65
- Appendix B, Sample Check Lists ……………………..….……………………………………. 67
- RO Daily Start-Up Check List ……………………………………………………….. 68
- RO Quality Assurance Check List …………………………………………………… 69
Appendix C, Technical Service Bulletins ………………………………………………………..71
- TSB2014001: Replacing Chromalox Temperature Controller with Omron
Temperature Controller ……………………………………………………………….. 72
Appendix D, Pre-Ship Test Data …………………………………………………………….….. 75
Better Water LLC; 698 Swan Dr; Smyrna, TN 37167; www.betterwater.com
Visit our website to see our complete product line of
water purification products!
www.betterwater.com

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0
Our
Company
Contact
Us
Technical
Phone
Support
Technical
Support
Info
Online
Better Water LLC is a leading integrated manufacturer of water treatment
equipment and components for the industrial, commercial and institutional
markets.
Located in Smyrna, Tennessee,
Better Water LLC continues its history
of manufacturing and distribution of
equipment specifically designed for the
renal dialysis market.
Founded in 1971, Better Water LLC has
built a reputation for solving our
customers' toughest problems with high
quality products and unmatched service.
Better Water LLC Technical Support:
698 Swan Dr Phone [phone], press "1"
Smyrna, TN 37167 Email [e-mail]
Phone [phone] Customer Service:
Fax [phone] Phone [phone], press "3"
Email [e-mail]
Support is available regarding all Better Water LLC systems,
24 hours a day,7 days a week.
Normal business hours are Monday through Friday from
8:00 am until 3:30 pm, Central Standard Time (excluding holidays)
Call [phone], press "1" for Technical Support
Emergency assistance is available after normal business hours (including
holidays) by calling [phone].
Our website, www.betterwater.com, which is updated
frequently, contains a wealth of technical support information on the
SUPPORT tab and includes:
Operator and Service Manuals
Consumables and Accessories Lists
Technical Service Bulletins
For your convenience there are also online forms for placing Orders
and requesting Returned Goods Authorization. These are Adobe
forms that can be downloaded and either faxed or emailed to us.

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Specific
Contacts
Technical Support Phone [phone], option “1”
Email [e-mail]
To Place an Order Fax [phone]
(purchase orders) Email [e-mail]
Phone [phone]
Customer Service Phone [phone], option “2”
(returns) Fax [phone]
Email custom[email protected]om
Website www.betterwater.com
Helpful information and forms that can be found on our website:
- Operator & Service Manuals
- Technical Service Bulletins
- Consumables and Replacement Parts List
- Brochures
- Order Form
- Return Goods Authorization Request Form
The Better Water LLC 1232 RO is manufactured to the utmost quality.
With proper care, preventative maintenance, and proper use, it should
provide you with a very effective means of treating water for dialysis
treatments.
Before starting you should first read and have a thorough understanding
of this entire Operator Manual. It describes in detail the steps and
procedures for safe usage of the 1232 RO.
Once the this device has been delivered, it is the responsibility of the
Medical Director to ensure that it is used, monitored, and maintained in
such a manner so as to satisfy all applicable standards. Guidelines and
other related information are available from:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT)
- Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
The RO cannot do the job alone. It is important to understand and
monitor the changing tap water conditions, which include contaminants,
temperature, pH, pressure and flow-rates, which have a direct impact on
the quality and quantity of the RO’s output. This RO was designed to
your specifications and requirements. Since municipal water conditions
are constantly changing, good two-way communications with your
municipal water supplier coupled with routine testing of the tap water is
vital to the safe and effective operation of this device.
NOTE concerning pictures in this manual:
Pictures of devices and components may vary slightly due to product
changes, and therefore should be for general reference only.
Information concerning their use, functionality, or replacement will not
differ unless noted.
Introduction

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WARNINGS
1. It is unsafe to operate or service this device without first reading and understanding the entire
Operator and Service Manuals. Keep this manual and other associated documentation for future
reference.
2. Misuse, improper operation, and/or improper monitoring of this system could result in serious
injury, death, or other serious reactions to patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.
3. Misuse, improper use or handling of disinfectants and chemical cleaning solutions could result
in serious injury or even death. You must comply with the information contained in the Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the chemical being used.
4. To avoid electrical shock hazard, do not operate this device when the covers or panels are
removed.
5. ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE: This device can create and radiate
radio frequency energy and may cause harmful interference if not installed
according to the manufacturer's instructions.
CAUTIONS
1. When used as a medical device, federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the authority
of a physician. Per CFR 801.109 (b)(1).
2. Improper operation of this device could result in a low or no-flow alarm on the dialysis
machines.
3. Misuse or improper operation of this device will void any warranty.
4. Where water is mentioned, unless otherwise noted, it must be AAMI standard quality water.
5. Electrical and plumbing connections must adhere to local statutes and any facility codes.
Connect this device to a proper ground connection in accordance with the National Electrical
Code. Do not remove the ground wire or ground plug. Do not use an extension cord with this
device.
6. Do not remove any Caution, Warning or any other descriptive labels from the device.
7. Do not operate this device in an explosive environment or in the presence of flammable
materials. Do not use this device to store, mix or transfer flammable liquids.
8. Movement or vibrations during shipment may cause connections to loosen.
9. Do not operate this unit in an environment where temperatures may be below 50oF or above
90oF.
10.This device should not be used for purposes outside the device’s stated applications,
specifications or limitations.

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QUICK REFERENCES
- Specifications, Features, and Requirements
- Maintenance Schedule
- Related Consumable and Replacement Parts

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SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Weight
250-300 lbs
Dimensions
Height 66” x Length 32” x Width 12”
Electrical
24 vac Control Voltage
120V Models: 1 phase, 20 amp, 60 Hz (1 hots, 1 neutral, 1 ground)
FEATURES
Sample Port
Product sample port, sanitary, stainless-steel, post .03 filter
Standard Alarms
Poor Water Quality Alarm
High Feed Temperature Alarm
Low Pressure Alarm
High Pump Pressure Alarm
High Membrane Pressure Alarm
High Product Pressure Alarm
Optional External
Accessories
Remote Alarm Box, Disinfect Tank
REQUIREMENTS
Floor Space
Level floor with sufficient space around the device for
installation, operation, and service.
Electrical
Power outlet near the center of the device per specifications
above.
Inlet Water Connection
Pre-treated water.
Connection: 1”, 90°, Hose-barb
Product Water Connection
Connection: 3/4", male, threaded
Drain
Sanitary drain capable of discharging 20 gallons per minute.
Must be an open drain (air-gapped)
Primary Drain Connection: 3/4", female, threaded
Loop
The distribution loop should be constructed of
materials that comply with current AAMI standards. It is
critical for direct-feed systems, that the distribution loop be
properly sized, so assistance should be sought from Better
Water or an authorized dealer when determining its size and
length. Installation should also comply with current AAMI
standards.
Pressure
Feed water pressure should be a minimum of 20 psi, a
maximum of 90 psi, with the optimum pressure at 40 psi. The
minimum pressure must be maintained with the water flowing
at the maximum required flow-rate.
Flow Rate
The minimum flow-rate in gallons per minute is based on the
incoming pre-treatment equipment.
Chlorine / Chloramines
Chlorine is commonly used as a disinfecting agent in
municipal water systems. Disinfection by-products can form
when disinfectants, such as chlorine, react with naturally
present compounds in the water. Chlorine/Chloramines in the
feed water must be less than 0.1 ppm.
Silt Density Index (SDI)
Silt Density Index (SDI) is a measure of the amount of
suspended solids and colloidal materials in the feed water.
High SDI values can lead to membrane fouling. A SDI of less
than 3 SDI units is considered acceptable.
Turbidity
Turbidity in water is caused by suspended and colloidal matter
such as clay, silt, finely divided organic matter, inorganic
matter, plankton, and other microscopic organisms. Feed

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water turbidity must be less than 1 nephelometric turbidity
units.
Hardness
Hardness is characteristic of feed water due to the presence
of dissolved calcium and magnesium. Water hardness is
responsible for most scale formation and can form insoluble
residue in pipes and other water contact surfaces. Hardness
is usually expressed in grains per gallon, or parts per million,
all as calcium carbonate equivalent. Hardness level in the
feed water must be less than 3 grains per gallon, or 51.3 parts
per million.
Temperature
Feed water temperature must be between 50oF and 92oF.
The optimum temperature is 77oF. The maximum
temperature is factory set at 92°F, so the RO will shut-down at
93°F. This setting can be adjusted if necessary.
MEMBRANE ARRAY FLOW RATE SPECIFICATIONS
The flow rates for the arrays listed below are rated at 77˚F feed water, ± 20% and at 50%
recovery.
1232 RO Series
Product Flow
Reject Flow
Re-Circulate Flow
3 Membrane Array
(older models)
1.5 GPM
1.5 GPM
1.5 GPM
4 Membrane Array
2.0 GPM
2.0 GPM
2.0 GPM
The importance of monitoring and controlling the feed water cannot be underestimated.

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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
MAINTENANCE TASKS
Each
Shift
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
3
Months
6
Months
Other
Check the system for leaks
X
X
Visual
inspection
Monitor the system for unusual
sounds
X
X
Auditory
inspection
Clean external surfaces;
- Use a soft damp cloth. Do not
use bleach.
X
Use a soft,
damp towel or
sponge. DO
NOT USE
BLEACH.
Perform low pH cleaning and
disinfection.
- See “General Cleaning and
Disinfecting Information” section
X
Perform low pH cleaning , high
pH Cleaning, and disinfection.
- See “General Cleaning and
Disinfecting Information” section
X
Verify Water Quality Monitor
Board, calibrating if necessary
- See “System Maintenance”
section
X
Verify Flush Timer day and time
setting
- See “System Maintenance”
section
X
X
Change 5 micron Pre-Filter
- See “System Maintenance”
section
X
Change every
30 days or
when the oP
reaches or
exceeds 15
psi.
Change .03 micron Final Filter
- See “System Maintenance”
section
X
Change every
6 months or
when the oP
reaches or
exceeds 15
psi.
Change Membranes
- See “System Maintenance”
section
Every 3-5
years, or
when low flow
rates are
experienced,
or percent
rejection
drops below
operational
parameters.
Perform chemical, microbial,
and endotoxin testing on feed
and product water as per AAMI
requirements. Submit to a
qualified testing laboratory.
Annually, or
more often as
needed.
NOTE
The maintenance schedule is merely a recommendation by Better Water, but it is up to
the discretion of the Medical Director of the facility as to when they are performed,
which may be more often or less often at their discretion as circumstances and
company policy dictate.

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RELATED CONSUMABLE and REPLACEMENT PARTS
DESCRIPTION
PART#
PICTURE
REPLACEMENT PARTS
2.5” x 40” Membrane
- Large O-Ring EQFHOO01996
- Small O-Ring EQFHOO01588
SUMEM01356
10”, 5 micron, Pre-Filter
- Housing O-Ring SUMIOO00587
SUCAOO00551
.03 micron, Capsule Final-Filter
SUCAPE00547
BWI-1000, Acid Cleaner, low pH cleaner
SUMCOO00572
BWI-2000, Alkaline Cleaner, high pH
cleaner
SUMCOO00571
MinnCare Cold Sterilant, Disinfectant
SUMCOO00575
MinnCare 1% Test Strips
SUMCOO00577
MinnCare Residual Test Strips
SUMCOO00576
Pictures do not reflect the size of the item in relation to the other pictures

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RELATED CONSUMABLE and REPLACEMENT PARTS
DESCRIPTION
PART#
PICTURE
BWI-3000, MemStore, Preservative
SUMCOO00574
Clean/Disinfect Tank
- Includes hoses and connections
EQASSYDISTANK
RO Pump
EQPUTE01883
Remote Alarm Box
EQASSYNSMB01601
24V Digital Flush Timer
ELPWSW00991
RO Monitor PCB
EQMOBO01351
RO Display Board
EQMOBO01352
Conductivity Probe
EQSUBCP01545
Pictures do not reflect the size of the item in relation to the other pictures

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DEVICE INFORMATION

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REVERSE OSMOSIS PROCESS
The Reverse Osmosis (RO) Machine is a multiple-membrane, device that is pressurized by a
stainless steel pump and motor. The Reverse Osmosis process uses a semi-permeable
membrane to separate and remove dissolved solids, organics, Pyrogen, submicron colloidal
matter from the water. The process is called "reverse" osmosis since it requires pressure to force
pure water across a membrane, leaving the impurities behind. Reverse Osmosis is capable of
removing 95%-99% of the total dissolved solids (TDS) thus providing safe, pure water. Based
upon your facility’s specifications and information about tap water data, the RO was designed and
built to exacting standards and Good Manufacturing Practices as outlined by the FDA. The RO is
a device that uses a membrane separation process for removing solvent (contaminants) from
solution (tap water).
The RO is the most important and costly component in the water treatment system. With
appropriate pretreatment of the tap water, proper cleaning and disinfection, the RO membrane life
can be prolonged for several years.
.
OSMOSIS EQUILIBRIUM REVERSE OSMOSIS
Osmonic
Pressure
Water flows from the
lower concentration of
salts across a permeable
membrane to the higher
concentration.
Osmotic Pressure is
the pressure
required to stop
water flow and reach
equilibrium.
By applying pressure
greater than the osmotic
pressure, the flow of water
is reversed. The water flows
from a higher concentration
of salts to a lower
concentration.

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MODELS
There are two models of the 1232 RO. One which is used as a stand-alone RO, and the other as
part of a MediPac unit.
Part#
Membranes
Gallons
per Day
Gallons per
Minute
Electrical
Requirements
EQRO-1232-2800-01001
4
2880 gpd
2.0 gpm
120V, Single Phase
EQRO-1232-2800-M1001
* Part of Medipac *
4
2880 gpd
2.0 gpm
120V, Single Phase
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SUPPORT
Adhered to the front of each 1232 RO is a label containing important information relating to the
specific unit, and details both the Model and Serial Number. Both of these pieces of
information are very important in obtaining support, determining warranty, and properly servicing
the unit. Please have this information available if you contact Technical Support.
For STAND-ALONE 1232 RO:
The first four numbers in the serial number denote the year and month the device was
manufactured. In the example above the RO was produced in 2016, in the month of November.
For 1232 RO THAT IS PART OF A MEDIPAC:
The RO is not serialized itself, and is considered a part of
the Medipac system. The Medipac as a whole is serialized,
and that label is found on the opposite end on the Medipac’s
control box. If obtaining technical support, refer to which type
of RO (stand-alone or Medipac) is in question.
“16” –Year
“11” - Month
1232 RO mounted as part
of a Medipac system

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The 1232 RO has been designed and built to meet the specific needs for your water system in a
minimal amount of floor space, adding a neat and clean look to your water room. Based on the
number of membranes it is designed to produce RO water at 1.50 to 2.00 gallons per minute for
hemodialysis. It can be used for both Tank-Feed and Direct-Feed applications. It also can be a
stand-alone central delivery unit or mounted on a rack as part of the Medipac system, but
operation is the same for both.
The Frame is constructed of welded stainless-steel with a durable powder-coat paint finish to
reduce rust and corrosion.
The RO has a Pump that is used to raise the osmotic pressure across the thin film composite
2.5” x 40” Membranes to produce safe, pure water. For additional filtration, this unit has a Pre-
Filter (5 micron, 10”) as well as a Final Filter (.03 micron capsule filter).
The Control Box contains the electronic components for operational control, monitoring, and
alarms. The following are additional features incorporated into the RO’s Control Box:
- A Digital Flush Timer to control the frequency and duration of a flush cycle.
- A Water Quality Monitor to display % rejection, feed TDS, and product TDS, and alarm in a
poor water quality condition.
- Timed Operate feature to allow the RO to run for thirty minutes prior to the operator performing
daily checks.
- Interfaces with the Interlock Wiring System to shut the RO off when any of the pre-treatment
components go into regenerate or backwash mode, and provide a visual indicator.
- Interfaces with the Level Control System to turn the RO off and on based on water levels in the
Storage Tank.
Mounted on the Front Panel of the RO, are Flow-Meters and Pressure Gauges for monitoring,
as well as Adjustment Handles to achieve optimum performance.
Stand-Alone
1232 RO
1232 RO mounted as part
of a Medipac System

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DETAILED VIEW OF 1232 RO, Front Side
DETAILED VIEW OF 1232 RO, Right Side
Control
Box
Pump
Product Flow-Meter
Disinfect
Valve on
Pump
Reject & Product Adjust
Handle
Recirculate Adjust Handle
Reject Flow-Meter
Recirculate Flow-Meter
Pressure
Gauges
2.5” x 40”
Membranes
Final Filter,
.03 Capsule
Control
Box
Pre-Filter,
10”, 5 mic
Drain Port
Product Port
Direct Feed 3-
Way Valve
(direct feed
model only)

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DETAILED VIEW OF 1232 RO, Back Side
DETAILED VIEW OF CONTROL BOX
2.5” x 40”
Membranes
Junction
Box
Final Filter,
.03 mic.
Capsule
Pre-Filter,
10”, 5 mic.